Values before the economy, Archbishop says

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday urged politicians and the authorities not to put the economy before values, as he underlined the importance of a united and strong family.

"We cannot put the cart before the horse," Mgr Mercieca told those present on Freedom Square, Valletta, for the launching of the Milied Flimkien campaign.

The Archbishop joined President Eddie Fenech Adami and his wife Mary, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and his wife Kate, and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant to deliver Christmas and New Year greetings as part of the campaign.

A choir of young children added to the atmosphere singing traditional Christmas carols, as gale-force winds threatened to tear the marquee apart.

Mgr Mercieca stressed that both the Church and the authorities had a strong duty to strengthen the family.

He urged families going through a rough patch to realise and acknowledge that a U-turn back to love was possible. Children did not just wish for gifts for Christmas, but to see their parents strongly bonded in love.

The Archbishop said it was important for everybody to stop treating women who stayed at home to look after the family as second-class citizens. Women working at home were as important as those working in the office, and they should be helped, even financially.

Mgr Mercieca appealed to politicians to pull the same rope when dealing with issues that were of common interest to the country.

Recalling those who have ended up jobless in recent months, Dr Fenech Adami said that since his appointment as President he has realised more than ever that there were several people who still need support, despite the help that is offered.

Prisoners, he said, should not be treated as criminals but as victims of society, and therefore all kinds of assistance should be provided to rehabilitate them.

Turning to the international scene, Dr Fenech Adami said he hoped that the Palestinian and Iraqi elections next month would be the first step towards peace in the Middle East.

Dr Gonzi highlighted the plight of irregular immigrants, and urged the Maltese to realise the massive risks they were facing in search of a better life.

"The Maltese have a reputation for being generous; it's not enough to put our hands in our pockets and donate - we have to be compassionate to realise what these people are going through."

Dr Gonzi called for solidarity with those that have fallen victim to certain vices and highlighted the care of the environment as pivotal to the country's development.

Dr Sant said it was essential for everybody to take a common stand against what he described as the "anti-values".

During these times of festivities it was important for the country to remember the sick, the elderly and the problems being faced by the Palestinian and Iraqi people, the Labour leader said.